NDIA welcomes Air Force Hill liaison Wesley Hallman as new policy chief

NDIA's Wesley Hallman, senior vice president of policy

ARLINGTON, VA -- Retired Air Force Col. Wesley Hallman, most recently chief liaison for the service with the House of Representatives, is the new senior vice president of policy for the National Defense Industrial Association, the Arlington, VA, organization announced Oct. 6.

“I’m proud to join the NDIA team and look forward to contributing to its mission to strengthen our nation’s defense and the industrial base on which it depends,” said Hallman, who will advise the organization on legislative actions and policy.

Hallman will monitor Capitol Hill on matters of concern to defense, including annual budgets, acquisition and procurement reform, and defense infrastructure.

Hallman comes to NDIA after a 27-year career in the Air Force. In his last role, he advised the Air Force secretary and chief of staff on engagement with Congress, and worked directly with House members on Air Force and national security matters. Before this, Hallman was the senior executive assistant to the Joint Staff Director of Strategic Plans and Policy.  

“I’m proud and happy to welcome Wes to NDIA. I know with his experience following and working with Congress, he brings a deep knowledge of routines and structures of Capitol Hill to our group,” said retired Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle, NDIA’s president and chief executive officer. “Wes is a vital asset to our organization and our membership,” which counts about 1,600 corporate members.

Hallman has served in several operational and staff positions, including commanding a squadron and a fighter group.  He supervised more than 2,000 personnel as chief of staff for the Air Force’s forward headquarters in the Middle East, simultaneously managing and supporting the service’s units conducting air operations over Iraq and Afghanistan. Hallman is a command pilot with almost 2,000 hours in the T-37, T-38, AT-38, F-15A/B/C/D, and F-22A. He has more than 150 hours of combat time supporting operations Southern Watch, Provide Comfort, and Northern Watch.

In 2004, President George W. Bush chose Hallman as one of 12 Americans to be a White House fellow, serving as a special assistant to the Agriculture secretary.   

Hallman is an Air Force Academy graduate and has a master’s degree in international relations from Ohio State University. He’s also a graduate of Air Command and Staff College, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Eisenhower School).  He also completed the State Department’s National Security Executive Leadership Seminar and the Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.